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Abstract:

The invention relates to a layered structure (1) of an apparatus that
luminesces by means of organic luminescence, which consists of at least
two layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers as a substrate
and an electrode, as well as a layer (5) disposed between adjacent layers
(2, 3), composed of a photoactive polymer, in which layer, in interaction
with the adjacent layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers, an
organic luminescence (7) can be brought about. Furthermore, methods for
the production and for the operation of corresponding layered structures,
and a luminescent apparatus formed from them, are indicated.

Claims:

1. Layered structure (1) of an apparatus that luminesces by means of
organic luminescence, wherein the layered structure (1) consists of at
least two layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers, as well as
a layer (5) disposed between adjacent layers (2, 3), composed of a
photoactive polymer, in which layer, in interaction with the adjacent
layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers, an organic
luminescence (7) can be brought about.

2. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the layers (2, 3)
of transparent, semiconductive fibers are formed from fibers made from
silicon carbide SiC, zinc oxide ZnO, or titanium dioxide TiO2 or
similar transparent, semiconductive fibers.

3. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the layers of
transparent, semiconductive fibers have a textile-like structure of
semiconductive fibers disposed adjacent to one another, preferably short
fibers.

4. Layered structure (1) according to claim 3, wherein the layered
structure (1) is configured to be mechanically flexible, particularly
flexible like a woven textile.

6. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein one of the layers
(2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers is coated on one side or
encased on all sides with the layer (5) composed of the photoactive
polymer.

7. Layered structure (1) according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of
the layer (5) composed of the photoactive polymer lies in the range of a
few 100 nm, preferably in the range of a few 10 nm.

8. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one
of the layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers is encased
with the photoactive polymer (5) on all sides, in such a manner that a
luminescent effect occurs in the photoactive polymer (5), which effect
takes place essentially on the entire circumference of the semiconductive
fibers of the one layer (2, 3), in contact with the other layer (3, 2) of
transparent, semiconductive fibers.

9. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the fibers of the
layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers can be doped,
preferably as a function of the composition of the photoactive polymer
(5), in order to influence the color of the light emissions (7) brought
about in the photoactive polymer (5).

10. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the composition
of the photoactive polymer (5) is selected in accordance with the desired
color of the light emissions (7) of the layered structure (1).

12. Layered structure (1) according to claim 10, wherein a mixture of
different photoactive polymers (5) can be used as a photoactive polymer
material (5).

13. Layered structure (1) according to claim 12, wherein light (7) having
essentially a white spectrum can be adjusted as the luminescent color, by
means of suitable mixing of the materials of the photoactive polymer (5).

14. Layered structure (1) according to claim 10, wherein a luminescence
pigment, particularly a substance that contains phosphorus, is disposed
in or on the layer (5) of the photoactive polymer, as a fluorescent
substance, which substance is excited by the light emitted by the
photoactive polymer (5), which is preferably blue, to luminesce in the
spectral range of white light.

15. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the layers of
transparent, semiconductive fibers are coated on one side or encased on
all sides with a conductive polymer material (4).

17. Layered structure (1) according to claim 1, wherein the layers (2, 3)
of transparent, semiconductive fibers are coated in sections, preferably
at their edges, with electrically conductive layers (6), preferably
composed of metallic materials, by way of which an electrical current can
be coupled into the layered structure (1).

19. Layered structure (1) according to claim 13, wherein the transparent
cover material prevents chemical and physical interactions of the layered
structure (1) with the surroundings.

20. Method for the production of a luminescent apparatus, particularly a
luminescent apparatus according to claim 1, in which a first layer (2, 3)
of transparent, semiconductive fibers is coated or encased with a
conductive polymer material (4), the second layer (3, 2) of transparent,
semiconductive fibers is coated or encased with a photoactive polymer
(5), onto which a conductive polymer material (4) is applied, and the
layers (4) of the conductive polymer material of the first and the second
layer (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive fibers are glued to one
another.

21. Method according to claim 20, wherein the layers (2, 3) of
transparent, semiconductive fibers are glued to one another in that one
or both conductive polymer materials (4) are applied in liquid form, and
the layers (4) of conductive polymer material are brought into full-area
contact with one another.

22. Method according to claim 20, wherein a preferably metallic coating
(6) is applied for contacting, preferably at the edge side and/or in
certain sections, to the two layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive
fibers.

23. Method for the operation of a luminescent apparatus, particularly a
luminescent apparatus according to claim 1, in which the layers (2, 3) of
transparent, semiconductive fibers have an electrical voltage, preferably
a changeable one, applied to them, by means of which the photoactive
material (5) is excited to luminesce as the result of recombination of
charge carriers from the layers (2, 3) of transparent, semiconductive
fibers.

24. Method according to claim 23, wherein multiple layered structures (1)
according to claim 1 are disposed, one on top of the other, in such a
manner that each layered structure (1) emits light (7) having a fixed
spectral composition, the sum effect of which yields light emitting the
desired mixed color.

25. Method according to claim 24, wherein the light (7) given off by the
multiple layers (5) of photoactive polymer yields a mixed color that can
be controlled with regard to its spectral composition and intensity, by
means of controlling the intensity of the light emission of each
individual layer (5) of photoactive polymer.

26. Method according to claim 23, wherein the luminescent effect of the
layer (5) of the photoactive material formed by a mixture of layers that
are configured differently is coordinated, by means of electronic
coordination with one of the photoactive materials, in each instance, in
such a manner that only one or only specific photoactive materials
respond, and the luminescent color can be changed in this way.

27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the intensity control of the
light given off by the layers (5) of photoactive polymer takes place by
means of voltage control of the electrical voltages at the individual
layers of the layered structure (1).

28. Method according to claim 23, wherein radiation of the emitted light
(7) takes place in diffuse manner, preferably oriented in a main
direction.

29. Luminescent apparatus, particularly a luminescent apparatus according
to claim 1, for the production of large-area light sources.

30. Luminescent apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the luminescent
apparatus is configured as a wall covering.

31. Luminescent apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the luminescent
apparatus is configured as part of clothing.

32. Luminescent apparatus according to claim 29, wherein the luminescent
apparatus is configured as a coating of window surfaces.

Description:

[0001] The invention relates to a layered structure of a luminescent
apparatus according to claim 1, to methods for the production and for the
operation of a luminescent apparatus according to claims 20 and 23, as
well as to a correspondingly produced luminescent apparatus according to
claim 29.

[0002] Studies have shown that the natural light environment of humans is
predominantly determined by diffuse brightness, even though the sun, as
the primary light source, is perceived as a light point. The atmosphere
ensures scattering of the sunlight and a perceived more homogeneous
lighting of our surroundings, which our current light sources do not
produce. In closed spaces, a uniform, full-area light emission from walls
and ceiling, at a pleasant intensity that is not overly high, would be
ideal. Formerly, this was attempted with so-called indirect lighting,
whereby the light emission from the walls is then not optimal. Likewise,
work is currently being done on an optimized light, with regard to
coloring over the course of the day, in order to adapt this to our
biorhythm. For this purpose, large-area light sources that can change in
color tone are desirable. In addition, it is important to find an
energy-saving and environmentally friendly successor to the incandescent
bulb. The so-called energy-saving bulb is generally assessed as being
only an impractical interim solution. Inorganic LEDs on the basis of
gallium nitride (white light-emitting diode), for example, can
fundamentally not be used as large-area lighting, particularly also not
for flexible processing. Here, large-area refers to surface areas in the
range of square meters.

[0003] The more recent organic LEDs (OLEDs) are predicted to have a large
market if some fundamental problems are solved. These would have the
advantages, right from the start, that they can be used on large areas,
can be coordinated in terms of color, are extremely thin, work more
efficiently, and are more advantageous in production. Since the invention
of OLEDs about 20 years ago, the technology has been greatly further
developed. However, some problems that are currently being worked on
intensively worldwide must be solved before any market breakthrough can
occur (many expect the market breakthrough to occur within the coming
year). In the case of conventional LED structures with large areas, the
problem of contacting distribution, which can be solved only with
difficulty, arises. A network of electrical contacts must be drawn over
the polymer in order to achieve uniform light distribution. Experience
has shown that a coating with a transparent, conductive layer alone is
not sufficient in the case of modules that are larger than 50×50
mm2. Furthermore, the light-active layer must be applied to a
substrate that otherwise has no function.

[0004] The major advantages of the OLEDs are the particularly low energy
demand, limitless coloring, no heat development at all (therefore the
high degree of effectiveness), low thickness, and many more. Aside from
minor problems of optimized coloring and, depending on the design, the
required protective layer to prevent penetration of oxygen, these are,
above all, questions of "homogeneous" contacting and large-area
substrates. Simple smaller OLED displays are already being used in
consumer products (including warranties with regard to useful lifetime,
for example). In most cases, glass is used as a substrate on both sides,
which would make the lighting product or display become extremely heavy
at sizes of more than a square meter. For the necessary contacting, a
nanometer structure must be used in an ideal case, causing additional
significant costs. A usable flexible and transparent solution for
lighting products on an OLED basis has not become known up to the
present.

[0005] It is therefore the task of the present invention to indicate a
layer structure of the type stated, as well as methods for production and
operation, and corresponding luminescent apparatuses in which area-type
lighting can be produced and operated in simple manner.

[0006] The solution of the task according to the invention is evident,
with regard to the layer structure, from the characterizing features of
claim 1; with regard to the methods, from the characterizing features of
claims X and/or Y; and, with regard to a luminescent apparatus, from the
characteristics of claim Z, in interaction with the characteristics of
the related preamble, in each instance. Further advantageous embodiments
of the invention are evident from the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention proceeds from a layered structure of an apparatus
that luminesces by means of organic luminescence. Such a layered
structure is developed further in that the layered structure consists of
at least two layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers, as well as a
layer disposed between adjacent layers, composed of a photoactive
polymer, in which layer, in interaction with the adjacent layers of
transparent, semiconductive fibers, an organic luminescence can be
brought about. Corresponding layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers
are fundamentally known from DE 10 2006 047 045 A1, the content of which
is also made an object of the present invention here. In DE 10 2006 047
045 A1, it is described in detail how such layers can be produced, even
though it is merely indicated there that the layers can serve for the
production of a solar cell. If one uses such layers for the production of
an apparatus that luminesces by means of organic luminescence, then an
advantageous carrier structure for building up a substrate and an
electrode can be created in this manner, which is transparent, for one
thing, and is therefore suitable for passing light through. For another
thing, by means of the use of such a layer, in the manner described in DE
10 2006 047 045 A1, contacting between the layers that serve as the
electrode or substrate, respectively, and the photoactive polymer is
created, which allows contacting over almost the entire surface area,
between the layers and the photoactive polymer, for one thing, and, at
the same time allows advantageous mechanical properties by means of the
formation as a woven textile that is stable, on the one hand, but on the
other hand is light and non-rigid. By means of these advantageous
mechanical properties, handling of such a layered structure is
particularly simple, while maintaining all the electrical and optical
properties, and adaptation to purposes of use can take place in simple
manner; in particular, such a layer is particularly light for purposes of
use. The layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers bring about an
organic luminescence in the layer of the photoactive polymer when an
electrical voltage is applied, if the properties of the semiconductive
fibers and of the layer of the photoactive polymer are coordinated with
one another accordingly. In this way, it is guaranteed that a
corresponding light can be emitted uniformly almost over the entire
surface area of the layered structure when an electrical voltage is
applied, which light exits to the outside in the form of a diffuse light
exit from the layered structure, and the intensity and spectrum of which
light can be influenced, within broad limits, by means of a corresponding
influence on transparent, semiconductive fibers and photoactive polymer.
In this connection, the layered structure is particularly simple, so that
the production of a corresponding layered structure is also possible in
simple and therefore cost-advantageous manner. An advantage of the
layered structure according to the invention is that no separate
substrate is required, but rather the fibers fulfill a multiple purpose:
They are a main component of the semiconductor element for generating
light, and at the same time, can serve as a substrate. In the state of
the art, a separate substrate, under some circumstances even a textile
substrate, is always required otherwise, but this never takes on an
electrical function or component function. The doped, transparent, at
least partly monocrystalline fibers form an electrically and optically
active inorganic-organic hybrid structure, whereby the layered structure
according to the invention forms a semiconductive component together with
the fibers. Thus, building up the semiconductive component is
significantly simplified, and therefore the component can be produced
more efficiently.

[0008] It is particularly advantageous if, in a first embodiment, the
layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers are formed from fibers made
from silicon carbide SIC, zinc oxide ZnO, or titanium dioxide TiO2
or similar transparent, semiconductive fibers. Such semiconductive
materials can be produced in the most varied ways, whereby in particular,
the production of fibers made from silicon carbide can take place
according to the method according to DE 10 2006 047 045 A1, for example.
For other semiconductive fibers, corresponding production methods can
also be performed, which allow cost-advantageous production of the
fibers, particularly also directly in the form of woven fabrics or laid
scrims. In this way, the result can also be achieved, in particular, that
the layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers have a textile-like
structure of semiconductive fibers disposed adjacent to one another,
preferably short fibers. Such a structure as a woven textile has the
advantage that the processing of layers produced accordingly can take
place similar to conventional textiles, and that the areas of use of
layers produced accordingly can also go into the area of textile cases of
use. Such a layered structure is particularly flexible mechanically, and
can withstand stress.

[0009] Aside from the fundamental structure of the layers described above,
it is also possible that additional layers, particularly
electron-injection layers, perforated barrier layers, perforated
transport layers, or perforated injection layers, can be included in the
layered structure. In this way, properties of the layered structure can
be controlled in targeted manner, and the occurrence of the organic
luminescence can be influenced and improved.

[0010] With regard to the layered structure, it is furthermore
advantageous if one of the layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers
is coated with the photoactive polymer on one side, or, in a different
embodiment, is also encased on all sides. In this way, particularly great
contacting between the layer of the transparent, semiconductive fiber
material and the photoactive polymer can be produced; at the same time,
in the case of encasing on all sides, the proportion of surface area that
is available in the photoactive polymer for the organic luminescence is
particularly great. In the case of encasing on all sides, the result can
furthermore be achieved that at least one of the layers of transparent,
semiconductive fibers is encased with the photoactive polymer on all
sides, in such a manner that a luminescent effect occurs in the
photoactive polymer, which effect takes place essentially on the entire
circumference of the semiconductive fibers of the one layer, in contact
with the other layer of transparent, semiconductive fibers. In this way,
the entire photoactive polymer layer contributes to the organic
luminescence, independent of whether or not the region of the photoactive
polymer layer borders on the counter-electrode directly.

[0011] It is of significant influence that the thickness of the layer
composed of the photoactive polymer lies in the range of less than 100
nm, preferably in the range of a few 10 nm. In this way, the result is
achieved that the organic luminescence takes place in the photoactive
polymer in targeted manner, and that radiation-free recombination paths
of the electrical charges are precluded, to a great extent. As a result,
the utilization of the recombination with the photoactive polymer is
particularly great, as is the effectiveness of the layered structure.

[0012] It is essential for the influence of the quality of the formation
of the organic luminescence that the fibers of the layers of transparent,
semiconductive layers can be doped, preferably as a function of the
composition of the photoactive polymer, particularly also in order to
influence the color of the light emissions brought about in the
photoactive polymer. By means of corresponding doping of the layers of
transparent, semiconductive fibers, and in this connection, practically
all known dopings can be used for these semiconductive fibers, and in a
further embodiment of coordination of the composition of the photoactive
polymer, the result can be achieved that the desired color of the light
emissions of the layered structure is actually produced and emitted
within the layer of the photoactive polymer. Corresponding dopings of the
layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers, and also coordination with
the properties of the photoactive polymers, permit a great number of
variants of the organic luminescence, which can be utilized for practical
use of the layered structure as a luminescent element. In this
connection, a plurality of doping possibilities and photoactive polymers
known to a person skilled in the art can be used. For example,
photoactive polymers that can be used are CV-PPV, PPP, P3HT
(poly-(3-hexylthiophene)), MDMO-PPV
(poly-(2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylene-vinylene)),
MEH-PPV (poly-(2,5-dialkoxy-para-phenylene-vinylene)), and PFB
(poly-(9,9'-dioctylfluorene-co-bis-N,N'-(4-butylphenyl)-bis-N,N'-phenyl-1-
,4-phenylene-diamine)), or similar photopolymers. In a further embodiment,
however, it is also possible that a mixture of different photoactive
polymers is used as a photoactive polymer material; one then speaks of
so-called blends of such photoactive polymers. In this connection, mixing
of such photoactive polymers allows precise coordination to a desired
light color of the light emitted by the layered structure on the basis of
the organic luminescence, particularly also with inclusion of
coordination of the corresponding doping of the layers of transparent,
semiconductive fibers. Thus, for example, it is possible that light
having essentially a white spectrum is emitted as the luminescent color,
by means of suitable mixing of the materials of the photoactive polymer.
Of course, coordination with other colors within the achievable spectrum
is also possible.

[0013] In another embodiment, however, it is also possible that a
luminescence pigment, particularly a substance that contains phosphorus,
is disposed in or on the layer of the photoactive polymer, or on the path
of the light exit from the layered structure, as a fluorescent substance,
which substance is excited by the light emitted by the photoactive
polymer, which is preferably blue, to luminesce in the spectral range of
white light. Such a conversion of a light color to a white light color,
by means of a substance that contains phosphorus, is fundamentally known
in the sector of LED technology, and can also be applied here.

[0014] For contacting between the different layers of the layered
structure, it is advantageous if the layers of transparent,
semiconductive fibers are coated with a conductive polymer material on
one side, or also encased on all sides. Such a conductive polymer
material can have a transparent organic or inorganic material, for
example, and is also fundamentally known from the state of the art.

[0015] For contacting of the two layers of transparent semiconductive
fibers with an electrical voltage to be applied from the outside, it is
advantageous if the layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers are
coated in sections, preferably at their edges, with electrically
conductive layers, preferably composed of metallic materials, by way of
which an electrical current can be coupled into the layered structure. By
means of this method of preferably edge-side contacting, an advantageous
transition of the applied voltage from the feed line to the electrically
conductive layers and then to the layers of transparent semiconductive
fibers can be achieved, for one thing; for another, an edge-side coating
is particularly advantageous with regard to the spatial feed by means of
cables or the like.

[0016] Furthermore, it is practical that the layered structure is encased
with a transparent cover material, essentially encapsulated completely.
Such an encapsulation by means of the transparent cover material is
supposed to prevent chemical and physical interactions of the layered
structure with the surroundings, which are known to be disadvantageous
for the useful lifetime, from the sector of OLED technology. In this
connection, it is also advantageous if a correspondingly thin coating,
for example composed of a polymer material or the like, is applied to the
layered structure, to cover it, for the purpose of encapsulation.

[0017] The invention furthermore relates to a method for the production of
a layered structure of a luminescent apparatus, particularly of a layered
structure of a luminescent apparatus according to claim 1, in which a
first layer of transparent, semiconductive fibers is coated or encased
with a conductive polymer material, the second layer of transparent,
semiconductive fibers is coated or encased with a photoactive polymer,
onto which a conductive polymer material is applied, and the layers of
the conductive polymer material of the first and the second layer of
transparent, semiconductive fibers are glued to one another. Such a
layered structure can be implemented in particularly simple manner, by
means of the possibility of serial processing of the individual layers of
semiconductive fibers, independent of whether it involves one-side
coating or all-sided encasing. Thus, not only the coating with the
conductive polymer material but also with the photoactive polymer can be
undertaken in simple manner, and their quality can be assured. Likewise,
it is possible that a connection of the individual layers of the layered
structure takes place, according to the method, in that the materials of
the conductive polymer and/or of the photoactive polymer are processed in
liquid form and produce a corresponding gluing or adhesion to the other
layers as they harden. In this way, additional adhesives or similar
materials can be avoided.

[0018] Furthermore, it is possible that a preferably metallic coating is
applied for contacting, preferably at the edge side and/or in certain
sections, to the two layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers. Such a
coating can be applied electrochemically or thermally or in similar
manner, for example, to the layer of transparent, semiconductive fibers,
and thus can guarantee great adhesion and a good transition of applied
electrical voltage.

[0019] The invention furthermore relates to a method for operation of a
luminescent apparatus, particularly of a luminescent apparatus according
to claim 1, in which the layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers
have an electrical voltage, preferably a changeable one, applied to them,
by means of which the photoactive material is excited to luminesce as the
result of recombination of charge carriers from the layers of
transparent, semiconductive fibers. Applying an electrical voltage to the
two layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers, as well as the
interaction of the two layers of transparent, semiconductive layers with
the photoactive polymer, ensures corresponding recombination processes in
the photoactive polymer, which processes are fundamentally known from the
sector of organic luminescence. The light emission that can be achieved
in this way, on the basis of the method for operation of a luminescent
apparatus, represents a diffuse light emission of very uniform intensity,
which is particularly suitable for area-type lighting. Both the light
intensity and the emitted light color, if applicable, can be changed, in
this connection, and easily adapted to the needs of a user, in each
instance.

[0020] It is furthermore possible that multiple layered structures
according to claim 1 are disposed, one on top of the other, in such a
manner that each layered structure emits light having a fixed spectral
composition, the sum effect of which yields light emitting the desired
mixed color, for an external observer. Thus, for example, light colors
such as white, for example, can be emitted in combined manner, from the
basic colors of the emissions of one of the multiple layered structures,
in each instance, whereby each of the individual layered structures emits
precisely one of the basic colors, and these are then added together to
produce the desired light color, such as white, for example, for the
observer. A mixed color that can be controlled with regard to its
spectral composition and its partial intensities can be produced by means
of controlling the intensity of the light emission of each individual
layer of the photoactive polymer, so that a plurality of light colors and
light intensities can be produced with such a layered structure.

[0021] In another embodiment, particularly when using mixtures of
photoactive polymers, it is possible that the luminescent effect of a
mixture of layers of the photoactive material that are configured
differently is influenced, by means of electronic coordination with one
of the photoactive materials, in each instance, in such a manner that
only one or only specific photoactive materials respond, and that the
luminescent color can be changed in this way. In this connection,
electronic coordination ensures that only one or a few of the photoactive
materials are excited, in each instance, to produce the organic
luminescence, and that therefore only these materials bring about a
corresponding light emission. Thus, a plurality of light colors can be
produced by means of only one layer of photoactive polymer composed of a
mixture of different photoactive materials.

[0022] Particularly with regard to controlling the intensity of the
emitted light, it is advantageous if the intensity control of the light
emitted by the layers of photoactive polymer takes place by means of
controlling the voltage of the electrical voltages at the individual
layers of the layered structure. In this way, simple influencing of the
brightness of the overall emissions but also of the emissions of
individual layers of the photoactive material can be achieved.

[0023] The invention furthermore relates to a luminescent apparatus,
particularly a luminescent apparatus according to claim 1, for the
production of large-area light sources. Such large-area light sources, in
other words also in the range of square meters, can be configured, for
example, as a wall covering, as a part of clothing, for example for
better visibility of the wearer of the clothing, or also as a coating of
window surfaces, which perform a lighting function also for interior
spaces, in the dark. Beyond that, a plurality of cases of use of such
luminescent apparatuses is possible, which shall not be addressed in
detail here, but are evident from the properties and the large-area
nature of the luminescent apparatus.

[0024] A particularly preferred embodiment of the layered structure
according to the invention is shown in the drawing.

[0025] This shows:

[0026]FIG. 1--a schematic representation of a preferred layered structure
according to the invention, in cross-section, with a planar coating of
the two layers of transparent, semiconductive fibers and a layer composed
of photoactive polymer,

[0027]FIG. 2--another representation of another preferred layered
structure, in cross-section, with an encasing coating of the two layers
of transparent, semiconductive fibers and a layer composed of photoactive
polymer.

[0028] In FIG. 1, a schematic representation of a preferred layered
structure 1 according to the invention is shown, in cross-section, with a
planar coating of the two layers 2, 3 of transparent, semiconductive
fibers and a layer 5 composed of photoactive polymer, whereby a layer 4
composed of a conductive polymer is disposed between the layers 2 and 5.
This layered structure 1 serves for the production of organic luminescent
luminescent materials having a mechanical textile character, because the
layers 2, 3 are formed from transparent, semiconductive fibers, like a
textile material, and demonstrate corresponding properties such as light
weight and lack of bending rigidity, as well as mechanical strength. In
this connection, the layers 2, 3 serve as an electrode or substrate,
respectively, in the formation of an organic, luminescent cell, in which
known recombination processes take place when an external electrical
voltage is applied to the electrical contact surfaces 6, which surfaces
can be applied to the layers 2, 3 in the edge region. The flow of current
leads to the induction of charges in the photoactive layer composed of
polymer 5, whereupon this layer 5 gives off diffuse light radiation 7 to
the surroundings, due to the photoactive properties of the layer 5. The
spectral behavior of this radiation 7 depends on the configuration of the
layers 2, 3 and, in particularly, on their doping, as well as on the
composition and the properties of the layer 5 composed of the photoactive
polymer, so that a great variance of the emitted radiation can be
achieved, by means of corresponding compositions, in accordance with the
layered structures that are constructed.

[0029] In this connection, the layers 2, 3 are coated with the layer 4
composed of a conductive polymer, as well as with the layer 5 composed of
photoactive polymer on only one side, whereby the formation of the
layered structure can be achieved, for example, by laying the layers 2, 3
onto one or both layers 4, 5 while these are still liquid, and then
allowing these to harden. In this way, simple production of the layered
structure according to the invention is guaranteed.

[0030] In FIG. 2, a representation of another preferred layered structure
can be seen, in cross-section, with an encasing coating of the two layers
2, 3 of transparent, semiconductive fibers and an encasing, applied layer
5 composed of photoactive polymer, in which representation the layer 3 is
covered, on both sides or all sides, by the layer 5 composed of
photoactive polymer, and the latter, in turn, is covered, on both sides
or all sides, by a layer 4 composed of a conductive polymer. This layer
4, composed of a conductive polymer, which encloses the layer 3, then in
turn borders on a layer 4 composed of a conductive polymer, which covers
the layer 2 of transparent, semiconductive fibers on both sides or all
sides, again with full-area contact.

[0031] In this connection, as well, inducement of charges in the
photoactive layer composed of polymer 5 can be produced by means of
applying an external electrical voltage to the electrical contact
surfaces 6, and the current flow that results from this, whereupon these
charges generate diffuse light radiation 7 to the surroundings as the
result of the photoactive properties of the layer 5, by means of
recombination processes in the layer 5.

[0032] Not shown is an encapsulation that encloses the entire layered
structure, by means of which physical or chemical influences of the
surroundings on the layered structure are supposed to be minimized.

[0033] Luminescent apparatuses that can be produced from such layered
structures can serve for the production of large-area light sources that
give off diffuse light. Such large-area light sources, in other words
also in the range of a size of square meters, can be used, for example,
as a wall covering, as a part of clothing, for example for better
visibility of the wearer of the clothing, or also as a coating of window
surfaces, which perform a lighting function also for the interior spaces,
in the dark. Beyond that, a plurality of cases of use of such luminescent
apparatuses is possible, which shall not be addressed in detail here, but
are evident from the properties and the large-area nature of the
luminescent apparatus.

REFERENCE NUMBER LIST

[0034] 1--layered structure

[0035] 2--transparent electrode

[0036]
3--transparent substrate

[0037] 4--conductive polymer

[0038]
5--photoactive polymer

[0039] 6--electrical contact surface

[0040]
7--light emission

Patent applications by Siegmund Greulich-Weber, Bad Lippspringe DE

Patent applications by UNIVERSITAET PADERBORN

Patent applications in class CURRENT AND/OR VOLTAGE REGULATION

Patent applications in all subclasses CURRENT AND/OR VOLTAGE REGULATION